Hensley Highlights Constitutional Amendments, Legislative Accomplishments

State Senator Joey Hensley, M.D., recently released a legislative update reviewing the 2025 session of the 114th Tennessee General Assembly, which he described as a successful year focused on improving life for Tennesseans. Hensley highlighted several proposed constitutional amendments that have now passed the legislature twice and will appear on the statewide ballot on November 3, 2026. One amendment would permanently prohibit a state property tax, ensuring that Tennessee can never impose one in the future. The state has not had a property tax since 1949. Another, known as Marsy’s Law, seeks to expand victims’ rights by giving crime victims constitutional protections to be informed, heard, and treated with dignity and fairness during judicial proceedings. A third amendment would allow judges to deny bail for certain violent crimes when necessary to protect public safety. Currently, bail may only be denied for first-degree murder. If approved by voters, the measure would extend to charges such as terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape, and grave torture.